Research reveals that more than 50% of teachers feel nervous on their first day of class.
Naturally, since it's a big day for you, you are much more likely to develop some nerves. Moreover, a good first class can set the preface on a productive and enjoyable working relationship between students and teachers. If you start your first lecture on the wrong foot it will likely mean that you need to spend the entire term trying to catch up and fix the damages already done.
On that note what are some of the tips for EFL teachers that can help them calm their nerves on the very first day? Read on to find out!
Why Are First Lessons Challenging?
Here are some of the reasons why preparing for your first class can make you anxious:
On your very first day, it might be a little tricky to understand how your students relate to one another. It will take time for you to learn how you can differentiate your instruction from theirs. This information is crucial for lesson planning which you don't have while walking into lesson number one.
As a new teacher, it will be impossible for you to know the strengths and weaknesses of your students. This might keep you on edge as you don't know how to interact or respond to your students. Understanding this is also crucial for effective lesson designing and this too will take time.
Most students are reserved on the first day of their class when they say a new face. Not knowing how to build rapport with your students can also stress you out. However, you need to help your students to open up and shake the feeling of discomfort so that you both can feel at ease within the classroom.
Advice For Teachers To Prevent Day One Jitter
Here are some tips to build a fantastic first-day ESL lesson and keep obstacles at bay:
1. Know Your Students
Before your first class, it's essential to learn as much as possible about your students. What is their level of English proficiency? What are their ages? What are their interests? What are their goals for learning English? Knowing this information will help you tailor your lessons to meet their needs and keep them engaged.
Setting clear expectations from the outset can help prevent confusion and misunderstandings later on. Be clear about your expectations regarding attendance, homework, and participation. This can help students feel more confident and motivated to succeed in your class.
2. Explore A Range Of Language Competencies
On the first day of your class, you wouldn’t want to dig too much into study materials. Rather you would want to examine the competencies and skill sets of your students. Thus, design activities to explore a range of skill levels. You can start with icebreakers to create a conversational and informal environment.
You can also test their listening and writing skills while you are introducing yourself. Ask them to note down key information you are mentioning about yourself and then hand it over to you towards the end. Once you have had enough time to read the classroom environment, set new rules and ensure that your students have a clear about the importance and consequences.
3. Plan Your Lessons Carefully
Effective lesson planning is crucial to the success of any EFL class. You'll want to think carefully about the objectives for each lesson, the materials you'll need, and the activities you'll use to keep students engaged. Consider using a mix of different teaching techniques, such as group work, individual assignments, and class discussions, to keep the class dynamic.
Using authentic materials, such as news articles, podcasts, and TV shows, can help your students learn English in a more natural context. It can also expose them to different accents and regional variations of the language, which can be helpful if they plan to use English in a global context.
4. Build Rapport with Your Students
Building a positive rapport with your students is key to creating a supportive and welcoming learning environment. Try to learn your students' names, engage with them individually, and show an interest in their interests and goals. A little effort in this area can go a long way toward creating a positive and engaging classroom atmosphere.
Encouraging active learning can help keep your students engaged and motivated. Rather than lecturing, try to incorporate activities that get students moving and actively participating in the learning process. This could be anything from role-playing to games and quizzes.
5. Be Flexible And Accessible
Teaching a new EFL class can be unpredictable, and it's important to be flexible and willing to adjust your lesson plans as needed. If an activity isn't working or if students are struggling with a particular concept, be willing to pivot and try something different. Furthermore, before you step out of the classroom, you would want them to know that you have invested in their success.
Hence feel comfortable sharing your contact details so that your students know how to reach you. Also, be clear about your boundaries so that they are aware of when to contact you. You can also create groups and communities outside the classroom to help your students know that you care about their progress.
Good Luck For Your First Class!
A new EFL class for the first time can be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be a rewarding experience. All you need to have is a good positive attitude, a TEFL certificate from Online TEFL Programs in UAE, and a few planned activities beforehand. Have an incredible first ESL lesson to set the precedent for your future lessons and make your students look forward to your upcoming sessions.
